4.30.11

Lectio: Jn 20.19-31

Meditatio: “and when he [Jesus] said this, he said to them, ‘Receive the holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained’.” Jn 20.22-23

Oratio "O God, You created us and You sustain us with life and mercy through Your Holy Spirit.
I remember Jesus breathed on his disciples and gave them the Holy Spirit - Your very life - and also gave them the power of forgiving sins - Your very mercy; and through the successors to His disciples we receive these gifts today.
Grant that I may use these gifts of Your life and mercy and be a source of life and mercy for others.
I ask this of You who lives and reigns with Jesus and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever. Amen.

Contemplatio: Keep silence and remain in recollection for a few minutes.

Operatio: Reflect on the gift of the life of the Spirit - How do I receive it? How do I use it? Rejoice in the fact that Jesus comes to me in the Eucharist to share His life with me and in the sacrament of Reconciliation to extend His Mercy to me and in this two-fold coming, the I receive the gift of the Spirit as well for the Trinity is indivisible. Then give thanks and praise to God for being so wonderful and benevolent.

Tomorrow’s reading: Jn 3.1-8

4.29.11

Lectio: Mk 16.9-15

Meditatio: “[But] later, as the eleven were at table, he appeared to them and rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart because they did not believe those who saw him after he was raised.” Mk 16.14

Oratio "O God, You know it is not easy for us to believe.
I remember Jesus rebuked His eleven disciples for not believing Mary Magdala and the two disciples who traveled to Emmaus, who testified they saw the Risen Lord; and Jesus attributed this to the hardness of their hearts. Grant that in matters of faith I may have the oneness of a child.
I ask this of You who lives and reigns with Jesus and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever. Amen.

Contemplatio: Keep silence and remain in recollection for a few minutes.

Operatio: Reflect on my faith - Why do I believe all the truths that the Catholic Church teaches? In prayer thank God for the underpinnings He has given to my faith and especially Our Lady of Fatima and Our Lady of Guadalupe.

Tomorrow’s reading: Jn 20.19-31

4.28.11

Lectio: Jn 21.1-14

Meditatio: “Jesus said to them, ‘Come, have breakfast.’ And none of the disciples dared to ask him, ‘Who are you?’ because they realized it was the Lord.” Jn 21.12

Oratio "O God, You manifest Yourself in many ways for our good.
I remember Your Son manifested Himself to the seven disciples who went out all night fishing and caught nothing, until, He, who seemed to be a beachcomber, told them to cast their net on the starboard side; and when they arrived at the shore, they found Him making breakfast for them - how awesome, how humble!
Grant that I may be always alert to the many ways in which You manifest Yourself for my good and rejoice in the fact that You are here. .
I ask this of You who lives and reigns with Jesus and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever. Amen.

Contemplatio: Keep silence and remain in recollection for a few minutes.

Operatio: Reflect on yesterday. When and in what or in whom, God was present and manifested Himself to me; and then thank God for being so good to me.

Tomorrow’s reading: Mk 16.9-15

4.27.11

Lectio: Lk 24.35-48

“Look at my hands and my feet, that it is myself. Touch me and see, because a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you can see I have." Lk 24.39

Meditatio: "O God, You know how hard it is for is to believe and You take this into account.

Oratio: “I remember when Jesus appeared to his disciples that first Easter night, they thought He was a ghost, but by His words and actions He showed that He was there in the flesh- He ate fish in their presence. Grant that I may be always grateful to these disciples who proclaimed the good news of His resurrection and this wonderful mystery of faith.
I ask this of You who lives and reigns with Jesus and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever. Amen.

Contemplatio: Keep silence and remain in recollection for a few minutes.

Operatio: Reflect on my forefathers in faith - my parents, my teachers, the early disciples, and in prayer thank God for them.

Tomorrow’s reading: Jn 21.1-14

4.24.11

Lectio: Lk 24.13-35

“Then they said to each other, ‘Were not our hearts burning [within us] while he spoke to us on the way’?” Lk 24.32

Meditatio: "O God, Your words are life and love.
I remember when the two disciples on the road to Emmaus listened to Jesus , whom they thought was simply a fellow traveler, interpret scripture for them, they said their ‘hearts were burning’ as they listened to Him.
Grant that I may routinely read scripture for it is Your love letter to me and my life.
I ask this of You who lives and reigns with Jesus and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever. Amen.

Contemplatio: Keep silence and remain in recollection for a few minutes.

Operatio: Reflect on the reading of Scripture. In doing so, remember the words of St Isidore, “When we read, God speaks to us; when we pray, we speak to God.” Resolve to regularly and attentively read Scripture so that I may hear what God has to say to me for my good and for the good of those whose lives I touch.
Tomorrow’s reading: Lk 24.35-48

4.23.11

Lectio: Jn 20.11-18

"Mary of Magdala went and announced to the disciples, ‘I have seen the Lord,’ and what he told her.” Jn 20.18

Meditatio: "O God, Your ways are so much better than our ways and You always respect the dignity You bestowed upon us. .

I remember at the time of Christ women were considered so unreliable that their testimony was not accepted in court; yet Your Son selected a woman, Mary of Magdala, as the first to witness His resurrected self and gave her the message to bring the Good News to his disciples - How wonderful to show the respect that woman should be given!\

Grant that I may always treat others as sons and daughters of the heavenly Father and so accord to them the respect they deserve.

I ask this of You who lives and reigns with Jesus and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever. Amen.

Contemplatio: Keep silence and remain in recollection for a few minutes.

Operatio: Reflect on how I treat others - Do I let the cultural biases influence me? If so, work on eliminating them by asking “What would Jesus do?” And then do it.
Tomorrow’s reading: Lk 24.13-35

4.24.11

Lectio: Mt 28.8-15

"The soldiers took the money and did as they were instructed. And this story has circulated among the Jews to the present day.” Mt 28.15

Meditatio: "O God, You gave us a voice so that we could speak the truth - but sadly we do not always do so and what damage we can cause.

I remember the guards at Jesus’ tomb when He arose, accepted a bribe and spread the story that His disciples had stolen His body while they were asleep; and we wonder, how many good Jews missed out on their salvation as a result. I feel many most have.
Grant that I may always practice the virtue of integrity so that my words and my actions may not mislead others. I ask this of You, who lives and reigns with Jesus and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever. Amen.

Contemplatio: Keep silence and remain in recollection for a few minutes.

Operatio: Reflect on the truth - How important is it to me to be always truthful? Resolve to always let my “Yes” mean “Yes” and my “No” mean “No” for that is what integrity and the right use of speech requires.
Tomorrow’s reading: Jn 20.11-18

HAPPY EASTER, EVERYONE - THIS IS THE DAY THE LORD HAS MADE, REJOICE AN BE GLAD!

Lectio: Lk 24.13-35

"And it happened that, while he was with them at table, he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them.” Lk 24.30

Meditatio: "O God, You know how important it is for us to see in order to believe.
I remember Risen Jesus revealed himself to the two disciples who were traveling with Him to Emmaus that first Easter Sunday in the breaking of the bread and He continues to reveal Himself to us everyday in the Eucharist.
Grant that I may always see the Eucharist as a visible sign of the real presence of Jesus. I ask this of You, who lives and reigns with Jesus and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever. Amen.

Contemplatio: Keep silence and remain in recollection for a few minutes.

Operatio: Reflect on the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist - Thank Jesus for revealing Himself and coming to us in such a real, loving and personal way so that we might have life with Him. What an Easter present He gives us everyday! Tomorrow’s reading: Mt 28.8-15

4.22.11

Lectio: Mt 28.1-10 (Vigil)

"The guards were shaken with fear and became like dead men. Then the angel said to the women in reply, ‘Do not be afraid! I know that you are seeking Jesus the crucified’.” Mt 28.4-5

Meditatio: "O God, sometimes the best news can initially cause us fear.

I remember when Jesus rose from the guards were shaken with fear and Mary Magdala and Mary the mothers of James and Joseph, were also afraid when they saw the tomb empty and an angel there; but there fear would turn to joy when Jesus showed Himself to them and that there was in fact life after death - how awesome and great!

Grant that I may see death as life and rejoice in the Good News of the resurrection of Jesus and the promise of resurrection for all.

I ask this of You, who lives and reigns with Jesus and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever. Amen.

Contemplatio: Keep silence and remain in recollection for a few minutes.

Operatio: Reflect on that Easter Morn - Where would I have been? Would I have been with the Marys? Or would I have been with the disciples back in Jerusalem? How would I have reacted to the Good News? How do I now react to the Good News? Keep in mind always Jn 11.25 and let not death be a source of fear but simply the door to Jesus’ place.
Tomorrow’s reading: Lk 24.13-35

4.21.11

Lectio: Jn 18.1-19.42

"An eyewitness has testified, and his testimony is true,; he knows he is speaking the truth, so that you also may [come] to believe.” Jn 19.35

Meditatio: "O God, You are truth and You know the truth will set us free.

I remember John, the Evangelist, testified to the major events of the life and death of Jesus so that we know the truth about Jesus and come to be believe in Him.

Grant that I may be ever grateful to the four Evangelists who did Your will and recorded the Good News for us for it has freed us from a hopeless and meaningless life.

I ask this of You, who lives and reigns with Jesus and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever. Amen.

Contemplatio: Keep silence and remain in recollection for a few minutes.

Operatio: Reflect on Jesus’ passion and death. Would I have the courage of the three Marys who stood at the foot of the cross during the crucifixion? Pray always with gratitude for the gift of the Good News which allows me and all believers to see that this life is a wonderful gift that provides me with the time to live the Good News and to see death for what it is - simply the door to Jesus’ place - a place of everlasting peace, joy and love.

Tomorrow’s reading: Mt 28.1-10

Lectio: Jun 13.1-15

"If I, therefore, the master and teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash one another’s feet.” Jn 13.14

Meditatio: "O God, You are great and above all - Yet You stoop to serve us.

I remember Jesus washed the feet of His disciples - task that could not be assigned to the lowliest of servants - a great example of humility and service.

Grant that I may never be so proud as to avoid serving those in need - no matter how distasteful the service is that is required.

I ask this of You, who lives and reigns with Jesus and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever. Amen.

Contemplatio: Keep silence and remain in recollection for a few minutes.

Operatio: Reflect on Jesus modeling service - Resolve with the help of Your grace to mold my service after His.

Tomorrow’s reading: Jn 18.19.42

4.19.11

Lectio: Mt 26.14-25

"He said in reply, ‘the one who has dipped his hand into the dish with me is the one who will betray me’.” Mt 26.23

Meditatio: "O God, how perverse we can be at times!

I remember Jesus was betrayed by one of his closest disciples, one with whom He shared table fellowship - so close was their relationship.

Grant that I may never presume that my relationship will be steadfast but pray continually for the grace of final perseverance.

I ask this of You, who lives and reigns with Jesus and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever. Amen.

Contemplatio: Keep silence and remain in recollection for a few minutes.

Operatio: Reflect on Judas’ betrayal of Jesus recalling that there is always the Judas in our complex human being. Try to identify it and then pray that you will always have the grace to overcome it.

Tomorrow’s reading: Jn 13.1-15

4.18.11

Lectio: Jn 13.21-22, 36-38

"Jesus answered [Peter], ‘Will you lay down your life for me? Amen, amen, I say to you, the cock will not crow before you deny me three times’.” Jm 13.8

Meditatio: "O God, You are so steadfast and we are so fickle.

I remember two of Jesus’ closest disciples - Judas and Peter - let Him down in the end - one betrayed Him the other denied Him three times.

Grant that I may be always open to Your grace to use my will-power rightly. I ask this of You, who lives and reigns with Jesus and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever. Amen.”

Contemplatio: Keep silence and remain in recollection for a few minutes.

Operatio: Reflect on the capacity to choose - Do I see it is the reason moral evil exists in the world and God allows such evil for if He didn’t, love would not exist. Resolve to use rightly this wonderful gift of my will and rejoice in the great fruit of this gift - love.

Tomorrow’s reading: Mt 26.14-25

4.17.11

Lectio: Jn 12.1-11

"And the chief priests plotted to kill Lazarus too.” Jn 12.10

Meditatio: "O God, You gifted us with free will so that we might love - but we often abuse this gift.

I remember the religious leaders plotted to kill Lazarus because he was living proof of Jesus’ divinity and a threat to their power and positions - how sad! How treacherous!

Grant that I may be always open to Your grace to use my will-power rightly.
Contemplatio: Keep silence and remain in recollection for a few minutes.

Operatio: Reflect on the capacity to choose - Do I see it is the reason moral evil exists in the world and God allows such evil for if He didn’t, love would not exist. Resolve to use rightly this wonderful gift of my will and rejoice in the great fruit of this gift - love.

Tomorrow’s reading: Jn 13.21-33, 36-38

4.15.11

Lectio: Mt 26.14-27.66

"The centurion and the men with him who were keeping watch over Jesus feared greatly when they saw the earthquake and all that was happening, and they said, ‘Truly, this was the Son of God’.” Mt 27.54

Meditatio: "O God, how obstinate, we, believers can be at time in the face of the obvious.

I remember Jesus showed His divinity with the many miracles He performed, but the religious leaders refused to believed; while the Roman Centurion and his cohort, when they saw what had happened when Jesus died on the cross, immediately proclaimed their belief in Jesus saying, ‘Truly, this was the Son of God.’

Grant that I may be open to the many ways in which You manifest Yourself so that I may readily believe that Jesus is Your Son.

Contemplatio: Keep silence and remain in recollection for a few minutes.

Operatio: Reflect on the passion and death of Jesus. Focus on the facts that the temple veil was torn in two and the dead rose. Rejoice in the fact that the barrier between us and God was destroyed and that we are freed from a meaningless and hopeless life and that we are freed for an eternal relationship with God.

Tomorrow’s reading: Jn 12.1-11

4.15.11

Lectio: Jn 11.45-56

"So from that day on they (chief priests and Pharisees) planned to kill him.” Jn 11.53

Meditatio: "O God, what patience You have with us.

I remember Jesus performed many miracles including raising Lazarus from the dead and the response of the religious leaders was to plot to kill Him because they saw Him as a threat to their power instead as the very source of their salvation. But You did not rain down fire upon them but allowed them to do as they willed.

Grant that I may have patience with those who do not understand You and Your ways.
Contemplatio: Keep silence and remain in recollection for a few minutes.

Operatio: Reflect on how I respond to those who do not understand me. Resolve to be patient with them and pray for them.

Tomorrow’s reading: Mt 26.14-27

4.14.11

Lectio: Jn 10.31-42

"If I do not perform my father’s works, do not believe in me.” Jn 10.37

Meditatio: "O God, You are so far above us and You are not visible to us - yet You made it easy for us to believe in You.

I remember Your Son proclaimed that the miracles He performed were Your works and many believed in Him because they knew it was divine power at work.
Grant that I may be open to the multi-faceted ways in which You continue to be present in the world and rejoice that You have drawn near.

Contemplatio: Keep silence and remain in recollection for a few minutes.

Operatio: Reflect on where God is clearly at work in the world today. Thank God for the grace of being open to his presence and reflect that gratitude by doing what His Son commanded - Love one another as He loved us.

Tomorrow’s reading: Jn 11.45-56

4.13.11

Lectio: Jn 8.51-59

"Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever keeps my word will never see death.” Jn 8.51

Meditatio: "O God, how magnaimous and generous You are.

I remember Jesus proclaimed that if we keep His word we will be given a wonderful exchange - a short life of active belief here on earth for eternal life of joy and happiness in heaven.

Grant that I may always receive the grace of faith and be obedient to Your Word.

Contemplatio: Keep silence and remain in recollection for a few minutes.

Operatio: Reflect on God’s generosity - eternal life for a short life of active belief here on earth. Resolve to always give thanks to God for His great generosity and for the gift of faith and the grace to live out that faith.

Tomorrow’s reading: Jn 10.31-42

4.11.11

Lectio: Jn 8.21-30

"That is why I tell you that you will die in your sins. For if you do not believe that I AM, you will die in your sins." Jn 8.24

Meditatio: "O God, In Your mercy, You provided us a unique and effective source of forgiveness of our sins - Your Son!

I remember Jesus said that those who believe in Him as God would not die in their sins, but would have eternal life.

Grant that I may always have the grace of faith and turn to Jesus' priest in confession when I sin, for they take the place of Jesus there.

Contemplatio: Keep silence and remain in recollection for a few minutes.

Operatio: Reflect - Jesus and forgiveness. Thank Him for His gracious ways.

Tomorrow’s reading: Jn 8.31-42

4.12

Lectio: Jn 8.31-42

"So if a son frees you, then you will truly be free." Jn 8.36

Meditatio: "O God, Your ways so far surpass our ways in compassion and love.

I remember Jesus came to set us to free and took our sins upon himself and was put to death so we might have eternal life.
Grant that I may not squander that freedom but live as a good child of Yours.


Contemplatio: Keep silence and remain in recollection for a few minutes.

Operatio: Reflect on the freedom I enjoy because Jesus set us free. Imagine what life would be like if there were no resurrection. Resolve to be eternally grateful and use my freedom as God's child out of love.

Tomorrow’s reading: Jn 8.51-59

P.S. I was away for the last three days attending a workshop on the new translation of the Roman Missal. It was very informative.

4/10/11

Lectio: Jn 8.1-11

Meditatio: “But when they (Scribes & Pharisees) continued asking him, he ( Jesus) straightened up and said to them, ‘Let the one who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her’.” Jn 8.7

“O God, how wonderful and merciful You are!
I remember Jesus did not condemn a woman caught in adultery, but defended her against mob justice, and simply admonished her to sin no more - how compassionate! Grant that I may refrain from condemning anyone and look instead at my own sinfulness.
I ask this of You, who lives and reigns with Jesus and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever.
Amen.”

Contemplatio: Keep silence and remain in recollection for a few minutes.

Operatio: Reflect on my spontaneous reactions to people - Is it one of judging? Resolve to look for something good when I first meet someone. Tomorrow’s reading - Jn 8.21-30

4/09/11

Lectio: Jn 11.1-45

Meditatio: “Jesus told her (Martha), ‘I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live’.” Jn 11.25

“O God, You know that our greatest limitation and our greatest fear is death - but You do not want us to fear and You want life for us.

I remember Jesus proclaimed to Martha that He is the resurrection and the life and that all who believe in Him, even if they die, will live - Wow! How awesome!
Grant that I may always believe in Jesus and reflect that belief in commitments made and kept, love offered and given for that is what He wants of His believers.

I ask this of You, who lives and reigns with Jesus and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever.
Amen.”

Contemplatio: Keep silence and remain in recollection for a few minutes.

Operatio: Reflect on Christ’s proclamation of the gift of eternal life to those who believe. Do I thank God for this greatest of gifts? Do I show my belief in Jesus in the way I live my life?
Tomorrow’s reading - Jn 8.1-11

4/08/11

Lectio: Jn 7.40-53

Meditatio: “Does our law condemn a person before it first hears him and finds out what he is doing?” Jn 7.51

“O God, the consequences of rash judging can be devastating and that is why you want us to avoid judging so.

I remember the Jewish religious leaders, despite being cautioned by one of their own to give Jesus a hearing on his claim to be the Messiah, dismissed this advice with ridicule and they missed out on the very one they longed for - how sad and tragic for them.
Grant that I may withhold judging others or events until a full expose is had so that I may not miss out on the truth.

I ask this of You, who lives and reigns with Jesus and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever.
Amen.”

Contemplatio: Keep silence and remain in recollection for a few minutes.

Operatio: Reflect on how I form opinions - Do I base it on my bias or predispositions? Resolve to hear or investigate both sides as to who a person is or what a situation means before forming an opinion for that is one of the clear lessons from Scripture.
Tomorrow’s reading - Jn 11.1-45

4/06/11

Lectio: Jn 7.1-2, 10, 25-30

Meditatio: “But we know where he is from. When the Messiah comes, no one will know where he is from." 7.27


“O God, You must be amused at us because of how we react to the obvious.

I remember many of the leaders and many of the common people rejected Jesus as the Messiah despite the miracles which showed He was from You because someone once said that when the Messiah comes no one would know where he came from. They allowed an opinion to stand in the face of overwhelming evidence that Jesus is the Messiah - How foolish they were.

Grant that I may respond to Your mysteries instead of trying to dispute them or understand them for Your ways are so far above our ways.

I ask this of You, who lives and reigns with Jesus and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever. Amen.”

Contemplatio: Keep silence and remain in recollection for a few minutes.

Operatio: Reflect on some of the mysteries of faith such as the Incarnation and the Crucifixion. Do I try to analyze them? If so, stop doing so. Resolve instead to mediate on them and respond to their meaning for me and the love that God shows in them for all of us rather than how or why it is possible for that is the only way to approach God’s mysterious ways.

Tomorrow’s reading - Jn 7.1-2, 10, 25-30

4/06/11

Lectio: Jn 5.31-47

Meditatio: “But I have testimony greater than John. The works that the Father gave me to accomplish, these works that I perform testify in my behalf that the Father has sent me.” Jn 5.36

“O God, You made it obvious to anyone who is open minded that we should believe in Your Son.

I remember all the miracles He did and the sins He forgave - all of which testified that He was sent by You for our salvation.
Grant that I may be always grateful for Jesus’ coming and for His gift of resurrected life to al who believe in Him.

I ask this of You, who lives and reigns with Jesus and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever.
Amen.”

Contemplatio: Keep silence and remain in recollection for a few minutes.

Operatio: Reflect on the situation at the time of Jesus - the sitz im lebem - What closed the mind of the religious leaders to Jesus? Pray that pride and self-interest many not gain a foothold in my heart.

Tomorrow’s reading - Jn 7.1-2, 10, 25-30

4/05/11

Lectio: Jn 5.17-30

Meditatio: “Amen, amen, I say to you, the hour I is coming and is now here when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live.” Jn 5.25

“O God, You have made active listening very important for our salvation.
I remember Jesus proclaimed that the dead who hear His voice will live - how wonderful a destiny for all of us who hear Jesus’ words and put them into practice.
Grant that I may listen to what Jesus speaks to me in the Gospels and respond so that I, too, may have life without end.

I ask this of You, who lives and reigns with Jesus and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever.
Amen.”

Contemplatio: Keep silence and remain in recollection for a few minutes.

Operatio: Reflect on our call to listen to the voice of Jesus - Resolve to keep the advice of St. Isidore in mind that when we read scripture, God speaks to us and then to read it routinely and ponder it and live it.

Tomorrow’s reading - Jn 5.31-47

4/04/11

Lectio: Jn 5.1-16

Meditatio: “Jesus said to him (paralytic), ‘Rise, take up your mat and walk’.” Jn 5.8 Oratio: "O God, how powerful is Your word - You spoke and the world came into being - but You did not stop speaking.

I remember Jesus spoke to the paralytic of 38 years to rise and walk, and the paralytic did - what a display of the power of Your Word! .

Grant that I may always listen to what You tell me in my Scripture readings for Your words have the power of eternal life.

I ask this of You, who lives and reigns with Jesus and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever.
Amen.”

Contemplatio: Keep silence and remain in recollection for a few minutes.

Operatio: Reflect on the power of God’s words. When do I best listen to them? Do I respond with alacrity? Resolve to always do so.
Tomorrow’s reading - Jn 17-30

4/03/11

Lectio: Jn 4.43-54

Meditatio: “The father realized that just at the time Jesus said to him, ‘Your son will live.’ and he and his whole household came to believe.” Jn 4.53
Oratio: "O God, what marvelous things You do so that we may believe and have life in You.

I remember Jesus cured the son of the Capernaum official by simply saying, ‘Your son will live,’ and his son did. .

Grant that I may have the faith of that royal official and believe what I read in Scripture for in the words of St. Isidore when we pray we speak to God but when we read, God speaks to us.

I ask this of You, who lives and reigns with Jesus and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever.
Amen.”

Contemplatio: Keep silence and remain in recollection for a few minutes.

Operatio: Reflect on my faith. Resolve to approach Scripture as a time to listen to what God has to say to me and then respond to what He is saying.
Tomorrow’s reading - Jn 5.1-6

4/02/11

Lectio: Jn 9.1, 6-9, 13-17, 34-38

Meditatio: “so then the Pharisees asked him how he was able to see. He said to them, ‘He put clay on my eyes, and I was washed, and now I can see’.” Jn 9.15
Oratio: "O God, how obstinate and blind we can be!
I remember when Jesus restored the sight of a blind man, the Pharisees refused to believe it even though the blind man’s parents and the blind man testified that Jesus did.

Grant that I may always be open to the many ways You reveal Yourself and Your power and rejoice that You have drawn near and remain near.

I ask this of You, who lives and reigns with Jesus and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever.
Amen.”

Contemplatio: Keep silence and remain in recollection for a few minutes.

Operatio: Reflect on the recent past. Where was God’s power at work? Thank God for being here for us.
Tomorrow’s reading - Jn 4.43-54

4/01/11

Lectio: Lk 18.9-14

Meditatio: “The Pharisee took up his position and spoke this prayer to himself, ‘O God, I thank you that I am not like the rest of humanity - greedy, dishonest, adulterous - or even like this tax collector’.” Lk 18.11

Oratio: "O God, You want us to be grateful for the gifts and graces You give us; but You don’t want us to laud them over others.

I remember Jesus in his parable of the prayers of the Pharisee and the tax collector condemned the Pharisee for exalting himself, not for being good, but for thinking himself better than others.

Grant that I may always have a grateful heart for the gifts and graces You give me and always avoid odious comparisons with others.

I ask this of You, who lives and reigns with Jesus and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever.
Amen.”

Contemplatio: Keep silence and remain in recollection for a few minutes.

Operatio: Reflect on my gratitude for the gifts and graces I have received. Resolve to always give thanks each day to God for them and to ask each day for a humble and contrite and merciful heart.

Tomorrow’s reading - Jn 9.1, 6-9, 13-17, 34-38